The first quantum computer purchased by EuroHPC Joint Undertaking(EuroHPC JU), PIAST-Q was inaugurated in Poznań, Poland, marking a significant milestone for European quantum computing. The Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Centre (PCSS) houses a 20-qubit trapped-ion device, promoting Europe’s objective of a world-class, independent quantum computing environment. The launch of Alpine Quantum Technologies’ (AQT) PIAST-Q is the first of eight quantum computers that will be deployed throughout Europe using a variety of six different quantum technologies.
Alpine Quantum Technologies(AQT)
Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT) is a leading European quantum computer developer and builder. They supplied the first quantum computer, PIAST-Q, to the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU) and inaugurated it in Poznań, Poland.
Here’s a detailed explanation of AQT:
Core Expertise and Technology
- Alpine Quantum Technologies(AQT) leverages decades of experience in experimental and theoretical quantum information processing.
- They specialize in ion-trap quantum computers. Electromagnetic fields trap charged atoms (ions), which high-precision lasers manipulate to execute quantum processes.
- The trapped-ion technology, as used in PIAST-Q, is valued for providing long coherence times, which is crucial for greater circuit depths and maintaining the integrity of quantum calculations. It also enables high fidelity universal quantum gates, minimizing computational errors.
Design Philosophy and Accessibility
- The purpose of Alpine Quantum Technologies(AQT) is to provide ion-trap-based quantum computers that integrate with existing IT infrastructure.
- Their user-friendly technologies work on any PC or laptop, anywhere. Researchers and industry users might apply this pragmatic approach to minimise the entry barrier.
- Alpine Quantum Technologies(AQT) PIAST-Q fits into ordinary 19-inch data center racks, runs at ambient temperature, and uses less than two kilowatts of electricity, eliminating the need for dedicated cooling or energy infrastructure.
Contributions to PIAST-Q
- Alpine Quantum Technologies(AQT) developed and supplied PIAST-Q, which is a laser-based trapped-ion digital quantum computer.
- The architecture of PIAST-Q, developed and validated by AQT in collaboration with the University of Innsbruck and an extensive customer base, features all-to-all qubit connectivity. This unique feature allows any qubit to interact directly with any other, simplifying complex algorithm implementation and potentially improving computational efficiency without complex qubit routing.
- AQT also provides support to research customers with quantum hardware components and complete solutions that accelerate the development of quantum optics experiments.
Location and Role in European Quantum Strategy
- AQT is based in Innsbruck, Austria.
- Their provision of PIAST-Q to the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PCSS) is a concrete advance in the development of European quantum infrastructure, showcasing a concerted European effort to establish a leading position in quantum computing and AI.
- The EuroHPC JU’s strategy to acquire eight quantum computers across Europe, utilizing six distinct technologies, includes the trapped-ion technology provided by AQT, positioning Europe at the forefront of this emerging field.
Unveiled PIAST-Q: Technology and Capabilities
PIAST-Q is a trapped-ion digital quantum computer that runs on a laser. In this cutting-edge technology, electromagnetic fields trap charged atoms (ions) and lasers precisely manipulate them to perform quantum processes. This approach allows deeper circuit depths and accurate quantum computations by providing long coherence periods. Based on the ideas of quantum mechanics, quantum computers are capable of performing computations far more quickly than traditional computers, which holds the potential to revolutionize a number of fields.
PIAST-Q’s primary attributes and functionalities consist of:
- 20 physical qubits: Providing a significant amount of processing power for modern quantum applications.
- High fidelity universal quantum gates: These gates are made to reduce computing mistakes and produce more trustworthy outcomes.
- This extraordinary property allows every qubit to directly communicate with any other qubit, making complicated algorithms easier to build and possibly improving processing performance without sophisticated routing.
- Standard IT compatibility: The system fits into 19-inch data centre racks, runs at room temperature, and uses less than two kilowatts of electricity, so it doesn’t need cooling or energy infrastructure.
An Important Advancement in European Computing
A key component of Europe’s larger digital strategy, which emphasizes the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and quantum technologies, is the implementation of PIAST-Q. European customers will have access to a potent hybrid classical-quantum architecture through the integration of PIAST-Q with HPC infrastructure, first in conjunction with the ALTAIR supercomputer and then with the PIAST-AI supercomputer. Advanced use cases in fields like chemistry, materials science, machine learning, and quantum optimization are made possible by this integration.
The system’s main goal is to speed up research and innovation, and it will benefit a wide spectrum of European users from academia, business, and government. By the end of 2025, PIAST-Q should be able to provide compute resources to end users in Europe, however final calibration will take place in the upcoming months.
With the procurement contract signed less than a year before deployment and delivery taking place several months ahead of schedule, the actual inauguration was incredibly quick. EuroHPC JU and the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education split the EUR 12.28 million procurement cost of PIAST-Q evenly. The EuroQCS-Poland consortium is led by PCSS and consists of one academic partner from Latvia and two other Polish partners.
Greater European Aspirations in HPC and Quantum
PIAST-Q is only the start of a bigger project. In order to give European researchers and innovators a varied and complementary portfolio of quantum computing modalities, the EuroHPC JU is now in the process of procuring eight quantum computers throughout Europe. Analogue quantum simulators based on neutral atoms, trapped ions, superconducting circuits, photonics, and adiabatic systems are among the six technologies that are included in this strategic approach. The goal of this diversification is to reduce risk and guarantee that Europe gains from developments in a range of quantum computing techniques.
In addition to quantum computing, the EuroHPC JU has already acquired eleven supercomputers, three of which are in the top ten most potent in the world: Leonardo in Italy, Jupiter in Germany, and LUMI in Finland. This dedication to high-performance computing also extends to the emerging field of artificial intelligence (AI), where the EuroHPC JU is in charge of the establishment of 13 AI factories throughout Europe. These factories provide free, tailored assistance to startups and SMEs, promoting a creative and competitive AI environment. Alongside the opening of the quantum computer, PCSS also officially launched a new AI factory called PIAST-AI.
Key Players Driving Europe’s Quantum Future
The cooperation of important organizations is responsible for PIAST-Q’s success:
EuroHPC JU, the main funding and coordination organisation for European supercomputing and quantum computing efforts, was founded in 2018 to make Europe a global leader.
- PCSS, or the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Centre: PCSS is the host and operator of PIAST-Q, guaranteeing its continuous availability and functionality.
- The company has over 270 EU projects under its belt and has thirty years of expertise developing e-infrastructures for scientific research. With a focus on HPC, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence, PCSS also develops a wide range of activities, such as cybersecurity, data protection, and energy efficiency. PIAST-Q is widely accessible to users due to its PIONIER national research network and link to the GÉANT network.
- Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT): AQT created and provided the trapped-ion quantum computer by utilising decades of experience in theoretical and experimental quantum information processing. For wider deployment, AQT’s emphasis on creating intuitive quantum computers that integrate easily with traditional IT infrastructure is essential.
The launch of PIAST-Q marks a significant milestone in Europe’s transition to the quantum era and shows the continent’s dedication to investing in European excellence and creating a world-class, independent quantum computing ecosystem. Strategic Research and Industry Agenda 2030 (SRIA 2030) outlines this collaborative endeavor, which is in line with expert working groups’ suggestions on a European ‘Quantum Strategy’ that emphasizes industrialization, standardization, talent, impact, research, and quantum infrastructure.
